1Pe 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

Peter = once a disciple, now an apostle of Jesus, a man who walked and talked and prayed with Jesus himself. This Peter is now addressing the numerous Christians who are spread through Asia Minor. He is providing hope and encouragement to the believers who are suffering from persecution. This epistle is directed to Jews out of Palestine, located in Asia Minor

F.B.Meyer: Our inheritance is prepared and kept for us, as we for it. We who believe may count on the guarding power of God. Not till our spirit is joined to a perfected body in the presence of Christ will our salvation be complete.

1Pe 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father = a controversial doctrine, but as I read it here, God called and elected Peter based on God’s foreknowledge that Peter would himself chose to believe in our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The calvinist will try to preach that God just randomly elected some, while not electing others. But I believe that God calls ALL MEN to be saved, and our self-will plays into this one area. We must decide and confess Jesus as our Lord. God doesn’t want any man to perish, but all should have everlasting life.

Here we have the work of the Trinity in salvation:
• “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God” — God the Father;
• “Sanctification of the Spirit” (practical sanctification) — God the Holy Spirit;
• “Blood of Jesus Christ” (proof of election), “obedience” — God the Son.

through sanctification of the Spirit

=

Born Again to a Living Hope

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

abundant mercy = his mercy shall last forever!hope = the things to come.resurrection = we have hope, because Jesus was raised from the dead, as we shall be raised from the dead.

1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

inheritance = we are in the family of God, our Father, and we are co-heirs with Christincorruptible = nothing can change our position with Christ. Romans 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powersfadeth not away = kingdoms, leaders, people on this earth shall fade away like grass, but our inheritance with Christ is everlasting.reserved in heaven for you = our salvation is complete. We have our home in heaven, waiting for us, to live in glory forever.

It will always be new, it will never decay.
No night ever comes, it will always be day.
How it gladdens my heart with a joy that’s untold To think of that land where nothing grows old.

1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

kept = eternally secure by the awesome power of God. Nothing, no one can touch our salvation, our hope, our security.faith = our faith in the living Lord Jesus Christ, assures us of our salvation. Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Man must read and hear the Word to be saved, to be drawn to the Living Lord.revealed in the last time = the final day of judgment, the end of this world will reveal our kinship with the Father of us all.

1Pe 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

Probably the “key verse” in this epistle.

greatly = not just a little, not just rejoice, but GREATLY rejoice. The believer has nothing but rejoicing on his mind. What can this world do to him, what can man do against an awesome, powerful, omnipresent, ruler such as the One and Only True God! We greatly rejoice.now for a season = a short, short period here on this earth. A short 70, maybe 80 years, compared to eternity in Glory with God. For a short season you will suffer because you live in a fallen, broken world, influenced now, for a short time, by a lost sinful angel, who will lose in the end times.heaviness = yes, the suffering we now go through, that tempts us, hurts us. As children of God, the Word tells us we will suffer, we will experience pain, but only for a short, short time. Then heaven awaits!temptations = everything in this fallen world tempts us, tries to steer us away from our heavenly Father….but the devil has lost….he will not be the victor…because we have our Father in heaven who will reign forever in victory.

1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

trial of your faith = your faith will be tested, the troubles of this world will try to lead you away from our work here on this worldmuch more precious than of gold that perisheth = even gold, that awesome standard by which defines wealth and power, which ensures riches in this world for now, even it perishes, it is of no eternal value, but our faith is of eternity, we will have our faith here and now, and we will have our faith eternally in the glory of our Father when we reach heaven.though it be tried with fire = our faith will be tested with trials and with fire, but praise be to Jesus, our faith will survive for eternity!might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ = keep the faith! have hope! our salvation is complete! No matter what happens here and now, you are the victors through Jesus Christ our Lord and SAVIOR.

1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Whom having not seen = let’s not forget who is writing this. This is Simon Peter, the Rock, who professed that Jesus is the Christ. Peter SAW Jesus, Peter saw him walk and teach on this earth, Peter saw Christ’s death, then Peter saw Christ after his resurrection. A personal witness! Peter is proclaiming hope for us, he is telling us to hang tight, Jesus was raised, and so shall we be!yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory = ye believe in the risen Christ, the Kinsman Redeemer of the Old Testament has arrived, and that gives us joy, joy you can’t even utter because of his awesome Glory, and we shall reign with him!

1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls = end the end, after all the trials and suffering and persecution, the end of such matters for believers in Christ is salvation of our very souls. How marvelous is our God, who takes sinful men such as us, and because of our faith and confession in his only begotten son, who suffered and died for our sins, saves our very souls and assures us of eternal salvation of our very souls.

1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

prophets have enquired and searched diligently = the prophets of the old testament, waited earnestly and faithfully for the promised messiah. He is here, his grace, the blood that he shed for us, came to us.

1Pe 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

Spirit of Christ which was in them = the prophets of old, the Holy Spirit empowered them to reveal to us, to testify to us beforehand, the suffering that our redeemer would endue for the salvation of our very souls, and the glory we will receive in heaven.

1Pe 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

was revealed, that not unto themselves = the Spirit revealed to them, the promise of the coming Messiah, not just to themselves, but revealed it to us through His Word.now reported unto you = Peter and the other preachers are testifying of the risen Christ, they are preaching the gospel, the good news, which they received from the Holy Spirit who came down to heaven during the Pentecost.

Called to Be Holy

BACKGROUND: Timeframe was AD 60. King Nero was persecuting the church badly and Christians were being persecuted. This would be the official government stance until Constantine stopped it two hundred years later.

Sanctification
Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him.

1Pe 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

wherefore = because of the future inheritance God promised in the previous verses, Peter is pointing out that this is an INCENTIVE to holiness.

gird up the loins of your mind = is referred to the ancient practice of a man gathering up the long skirt of his outer robe by pulling it up between his legs and tying it around his waist with his belt. is prepared him for running or other strenuous activity (see 1 Kings 18:46; 2 Kings 4:29; 9:1 for the literal usage). Peter’s illustration vividly portrays intentional preparation for exertion.

hope = Strongs Concordance, Greek word number G1680. elopes (el-pece). From a primary help (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely), or confidence: – faith, hope. Lifeway explained that this archaic word, back when this book was written, was a confident trust.

hope = this form of hope is a “command”. Even though we already have a confident trusting hope because of our salvation, we are also called to practice the hope, the confident trust for the future, that we have already received.

grace = unmerited favor.

1Pe 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

not fashioning yourselves = STRONGS CONCORDANCE = G4964. Only used one other place in the bible, Romans 12:2. It means to pattern ones actions. This means we are to live differently than we used to, because we have been born again, and we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

1Pe 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

you also are to be holy = Holy means “set apart,” that is, set apart from sin and set apart to God and seeking God’s honor. Holiness involves all your conduct. Peter reminded these Christians again of God’s initiative in salvation. The Father had called them to Himself, and they had responded in faith. In calling them and in making them part of His family, God was declaring His intention to make His children like Him in moral character. Peter was making it plain that we are to be intentional in the pursuit of personal holiness. It’s not that we grudgingly avoid outward sins; rather, we seek God’s power and presence so that we delight in Him, and we long for holiness from the inside out.

1Pe 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Be ye holy is a command. Quoted from Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7,26).

LIFEWAY EXPLORE THE BIBLE: God’s character is the foundation for ethics. Because God delights in attitudes and actions that reflect His character and hates what is contrary to His character, we are to imitate Him and thus honor Him. Just as natural children want to be like their parents, so we should imitate our heavenly Father.

1Pe 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
1Pe 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

redeemed = the reference is to the first-century practice of purchasing freedom for a human slave or a hostage by the payment of a monetary price. Although we grasp the concept today, we have not likely experienced redemption in this sense. We are more likely to use “redeemed” generally as an equivalent to “saved.” The term Peter used, however, was more precise than our usage suggests.

1Pe 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1Pe 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
1Pe 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
1Pe 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
1Pe 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

We should detest envy. Death to ‘self’ is the only sure way to get rid of envy.

We should detest slander.

“Guile” is the spirit of using cleverness to get even. Real separation is from the works of the flesh.

1Pe 2:2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.

“Pure milk” is spiritual milk. Just as a hungry baby reaches for the bottle, a believer is to desire the Word. We are to desire God’s Word. The result of desiring God’s Word will be growth.

Matthew 4:4 Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.

1Pe 2:3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

At the moment of salvation a person is born with an appetite for the Word.

1Pe 2:4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,

The living stone is Christ (Matthew 21:42-44). Peter identifies the stone as Christ:

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (Acts 4:11)

a living stone = Isaiah 28:16 16 therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’

1Pe 2:5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Believers are living stones that are built on Christ

Eph 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,

1Co 3:11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

They constitute a living temple in which spiritual sacrifices of praise, possessions, and one’s person are presented.

holy priesthood =

Revelation 20:6 (ESV) 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

Revelation 1:6 (ESV) 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1Pe 2:6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Isa 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

1Pe 2:7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”

the head = Colossians 2:10 (ESV) and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Psa 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

1Pe 2:8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

1Pe 2:8 KJV: And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

whereunto = Jude 1:4 (KJV) 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Isa 8:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

1Pe 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Vernon McGee – Thru the Bible: A Christian is to live a life commensurate with his position in Christ. This is normal Christian living.“Chosen generation”— these are believers who belong to a chosen generation because of the new birth. If you want to know if you belong to the elect, the real test is: Have you come? (John 6:37).“Royal priesthood”— believers are priests
Israel had a priesthood; the church is a priesthood.“Holy nation”— believers are holy because of their position in Christ. They are a nation because they are a new entity in the world

1 Corinthians 10:32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,

“Peculiar people” (KJV) — not oddballs or weird. It literally means a people for acquisition, a people for God’s own possession.“Show forth the praises” is publish or tell abroad His virtues.

1Pe 2:10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Eph 2:11-12 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

1Pe 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

Vernon McGee: Christians are to publish His praises by not manifesting the works of the flesh.

1Pe 2:12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Believers who are in business show forth His praises by honesty.

Submission to Authority

1Pe 2:13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,

for the Lord’s sake: there you go right there, there is the reason why we are to do it, to Honor God, for His sake.

1Pe 2:14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

1Pe 2:15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

Vernon McGee: vv. 13-15 — Believers who submit to governments and those in authority reveal the praises of God.

1Pe 2:16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
1Pe 2:17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Vernon McGee: vv. 16, 17 — A believer’s relationship to others speaks louder than the pulpit. We are to treat all men equally.

Honor the emperor: My opinion here…. I think we Americans make a big mistake here. I see “church members” trash politicians and even the President all the time. I have seen it from the pulpit, from bible study groups, out in the public like on Facebook, etc. Here it is, in the bible, we should NOT be trashing politicians, especially the Office of the President of the United States like we do. It’s sinful and displeasing to God.

1Pe 2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.

Wow…think about this one. How many of us talk trash about our bosses in public, behind our bosses back. “with all respect“, come on, we don’t do this, but we are called to do that! We need to be mindful of our tongues. There is a reason we don’t talk trash about our bosses, because God has told us not to. Isn’t that a good enough reason for you?

1Pe 2:19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.

mindful of God: No, we wouldn’t just endure sorrow for any old reason, our sinful nature would not endure sorrow for a moment, but, when we consider, being mindful of God, who sent His one and only Son, to die such a horrible death, on our behalf……. shouldn’t that be a good reason to endure sorrow? Oh, and as a reminder, we will now live for ETERNITY. Enduring sorrow, for a short while, for the sake of the One who has Redeemed us to an eternity in Glory….well….nuf said.

1Pe 2:20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.

Vernon McGee: vv. 18-20 — Christians in labor relationships also reveal the praises of God when their attitudes and actions are mild and fair.

1Pe 2:21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
1Pe 2:22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
1Pe 2:23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

Vernon McGee: vv. 21-23 — The suffering of Christ is the theme of the remainder of this chapter. Christ suffered vicariously to set us an example as well as for our sins.

1Pe 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Vernon McGee: v. 24 — Christ suffered a vicarious, substitutionary death for our sins. “By whose stripes ye were healed” is a quotation from Isaiah 53, which reveals that Isaiah is not speaking of physical healing, but that which is more important and profound — healing from sin.

1Pe 2:25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1Pe 3:1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,

Vernon McGee: “Be in subjection” is submitting yourselves. This is a voluntary step, not a command. Obviously this refers to an unsaved husband who will not hear the Word of God, but who might be won by the conduct of the wife. This is real personal evangelism.

1Pe 3:2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct.
1Pe 3:3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—

Vernon McGee: This is a reference to Roman styles of arranging the hair and wearing of jewelry, which is very similar to modern styles. A Christian woman may win a husband by sex appeal, but she can never win him to the Lord by sex appeal.

1Pe 3:4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

Vernon McGee: Inward, not outward, adornment wins the lost husband.

1Pe 3:5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands,
1Pe 3:6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

Vernon McGee: Sarah and the wives of the other patriarchs did not hold their husbands by sex appeal.

1Pe 3:7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Vernon McGee: Christian husbands are to love and honor their wives because of their intelligent understanding of the marriage relationship. The apostle indicates that the prayers of a family are not answered when the marriage relationship is not right.

Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake

1Pe 3:8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

1Pe 3:9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

Vernon McGee: This is turning the other cheek.

1Pe 3:10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;
1Pe 3:11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

Vernon McGee: For the one who loves life and really wants to live, here is the key.

Vernon McGee: God has not guaranteed to hear the prayers of those who do evil, but He has guaranteed to hear the prayers of His own (see Psalm 34:15, 16).

1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
1Pe 3:13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?

Romans 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,

Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

1Pe 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

Vernon McGee: Suffering for the right should bring joy to the child of God.

Matthew 5:10-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Mark 8:35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.

1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

answer: This is where we get the term “apologetics” from. “The term referring to reasoned arguments in support of or defending a position. G 627. apologia, [ap-ol-og-ee’-ah], From the same as G626; a plea (“apology”): – answer (for self), clearing of self, defense.

Vernon McGee: By our lives and lips we can sanctify God in our hearts. Our lives should bring glory to God. Also, the believer should be able to explain his position in Christ.

always being prepared: believers honor God by sharing the good news with unbelievers.

1Pe 3:16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Vernon McGee: Be sure that those who speak evil of you are in error.

1Pe 3:17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

Vernon McGee: Be sure our suffering comes to us because of doing good, not evil.

1Pe 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

Vernon McGee: Again, Christ’s suffering for our sins is cited as the hope in our suffering.

1Pe 3:19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison,

Vernon McGee: When did Christ preach to the spirits in prison? In His day or in Noah’s day? The next verse answers it.

1Pe 3:20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.

Vernon McGee: “When” is the key word. It was in the days of Noah. Noah preached the gospel in his day. In Christ’s day, the spirits of those men to whom Noah had preached were in prison, for they had rejected the message of Noah.

1Pe 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Vernon McGee: “Baptism” is identification. “By the resurrection of Jesus Christ” is salvation — a believer is identified with Him.

corresponds = “symbolizes” …. or …. “is compared to”

Lifeway, Explore the Bible: Consider the following:

The flood was the water of judgment because most humans perished in the water. Baptism by immersion provides a picture of judgement showing what we deserve: death and burial.

The flood marked the transition from Noah’s old life to his new life. Baptism is the sign of our transition from an old life of sin to our new life in Christ.

Noah and his family came out of the water of the flood, saved from disaster. Believers come up out of the waters of baptism, portraying our salvation.

Lifeway, Explore the Bible

..but as an appeal to God for a good conscience = baptism provides the pledge of a good conscience toward God. What has happened inside a person (cleansing of fin) is represented outwardly by the washing of baptism. Baptism, doesn’t make someone a Christian or prove ones a Christian. Baptism functions as a sign or symbol of the faith in christ that one confesses at the time of baptism.

1Pe 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
1Pe 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
1Pe 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
1Pe 4:4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
1Pe 4:5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
1Pe 4:6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
1Pe 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
1Pe 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1Pe 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering as a Christian

1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
1Pe 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
1Pe 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
1Pe 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
1Pe 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1Pe 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

1Pe 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

Peter identifies himself with his readers. They understand that Peter fully understands what the reader is going through, has been going through, and what will be going through.

Exhort = he is strongly encouraging them.

1Pe 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

shepherd – we have kind of lost what this would mean. The shepherd, the sheep hear and understand and follow his voice. The shepherd, he stands to defend and protect the flock.

The verb used here is the same verb that Jesus told Peter when Jesus asked him 3 times if he loved them, then told Peter to feed and shepherd the sheep.

attitudes:

not out of compulsion, not out of something you “have to do”

not for dishonest gain, but serve eagerly

not lording over the flock, lead by example

1Pe 5:3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
1Pe 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

chief Shepherd = referring as to when Christ shall return.

fadeth not away = any glory or accolades we get here is short and temporary, but the crown of glory in heaven fadeth NOT away, we will be in heaven for ETERNITY.

1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

ye younger = not necessarily referring to “youth”, but “young in Christ”.

be subject = Peter has used this term many times in this book, employers, families, but in this context, he is meaning “all of you.”

Peter quoted Proverbs 3:34 in this verse…God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

“the mighty hand of God” = used frequently in the Old Testament when referring to God’s power, God’s ability to deliver his people.

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

“Be sober, be vigilant = Be alert, be ready, be watchful. There is always temptation, both morally and spiritually. Remember what happened in Gethsemene, where they fell asleep, then Peter denied Christ 3 times. Our enemies; the world, the flesh, the devil is ready to destroy you, “devour” you.

1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
1Pe 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

establish = putting you in rightful place.strengthen = putting you in a firm foundation.settle you = support you.

1Pe 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

1Pe 5:12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
1Pe 5:13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
1Pe 5:14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.